Formula One has responded to Lewis Hamilton’s call for a race in Africa by announcing that Rwanda will join the calendar. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has long urged the sport to return to the continent, with the last race held there in 1993. On Tuesday, F1 confirmed a new 10-year agreement with Rwanda, set to commence in the early 2030s.
The race will be held at a newly constructed circuit in Bugesera, located 25 miles south of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. F1 has stated that the track will integrate with the natural landscape, utilizing the area’s elevation changes to provide a distinctive and challenging racing experience. It has been indicated that the drivers will be involved in the final track design.
This new event will be known as the African Grand Prix, marking nearly four decades since the last race on the continent, which was the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. The exact year for the inaugural race has yet to be finalized.
F1’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali, remarked, “Today is a landmark moment for Formula One. With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade, our sport will race on every inhabited continent, bringing the world championship closer to fans worldwide. Africa has always been part of Formula One’s future, and from the beginning, we were committed to returning in the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment, and a clear vision for creating meaningful impact.”
Domenicali added, “For our fans, this is an exciting moment. Africa is home to over 100 million Formula One fans, a number that continues to grow rapidly. We are bringing the excitement, energy, and drama of Formula One closer to millions of people who have long awaited the sport’s return to the continent, and we look forward to writing an exciting new chapter together.”
At the recent Singapore Grand Prix, Hamilton, 41, spoke about the prospect of a race in Rwanda. He stated, “I’ve always said that we need to have a Grand Prix in Africa. For me, it’s the most important continent and the most beautiful continent. We’re on all the other continents but that one, and there should be no reason for it. It’s something I’ve been pushing for in the background, and Stefano’s been amazing.”
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